ENGLISH
REFERENCE

union

n. countable
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈjunjən// UK //jˈuːniən// union Archaic General-service Humorous Informal

n. an organization of workers who join together to make sure they are treated fairly at their jobs. Unions help workers get better pay and safer working conditions.

n. an organized association of workers formed to protect and further their collective rights and interests, such as wages and working conditions. It can also refer to the act of joining two or more things.


SIMPLE

She joins the local teachers' union.

CONTEXTUAL

The factory workers formed a union to negotiate for higher wages and better safety standards.

COMPLEX

The historic union of the two rival companies created a new market leader, but it also led to complex challenges in merging their distinct corporate cultures.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

(locomotive): Derived from the name of the only U.S. company to use that configuration.

Etymology 2

Probably a variant spelling of Onion.

Etymology 3

Clipping of Oxford Union.

Usage

When capitalized, 'the Union' often refers to a specific political entity, such as the northern states during the American Civil War or the European Union.

Pitfall

The country needs more union.The country needs more unity.Learners may confuse 'union' (an organization or the act of joining) with 'unity' (the state of being in agreement or harmony).

Idioms2 entries

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